CARR, R. T.
R. T. Carr, druggist, was born in Rush County, Ind., February 28, 1847. November, 2, 1863, he enlisted in Company
M., Twenty-first Indiana Heavy Artillery, and was discharged January 10, 1866. After the war he was a student at
Greencastle, In., for a year and then went into the drug trade. He began business on his own account at Martinsville,
Ind., and in 1871 removed to Junction City, Kan., and in the following year came to Clay Centre, and has been in
trade here since. He was married May 21, 1872 at Junction City, to Miss Ella Harris. Mrs. Carr departed from this
life, February 24, 1881. he has two children - Birdie Blanche, born October 18, 1873; and Ella Linnell, born July
3, 1875. Mr. Carr is a member of the I. O. O. F. and was the father and first N. G. of Clay Lodge, No. 115. Also
a member of the G. A. R. (History of the State of Kansas, published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, page 1315)
DAWES, F. B.
F. B. Dawes, attorney, was born in Allen County, Ind., November 14, 1854; was educated at Fort Wayne College. Studied
law in the office of M: Van B. Spencer, of Fort Wayne, Ind. He was admitted to practice in 1876, in the Circuit
Court of Allen County. In 1877 he came to Clay Centre and in 1878 began practice with William Higinbotham, the
firm being styled Higinbotham & Dawes. He was elected City Attorney in 1881, and still holds the office. He
was married November 18, 1875 at Zanesville, Ind., to Miss Olive E. Wilson. They have three children - Leona O.,
born in 1876; Iona, 1878 and Raymond B, 1881. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. (History of the State of Kansas,
published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, page 1315)
DEXTER, ALONZO
Alonzo Dexter, miller and stockman, was born in Windsor County, Vt., June 3, 1833. His parents died when he was
five years of age, and he went to New Hampshire, living with a married sister, who died when Alonzo was ten years
of age. Thereafter he lived sometimes in Lowell, Mass., and sometimes in Vermont, as his guardian directed until
at the age of twenty he went via St. Louis and New Orleans, to Panama and California. He remained there ten years,
engaged in mining and farming. In 1862 he came to Clay County purchased land, located present site of his mill
and laid out Clay Center. Returning to California he disposed of his interests there and in 1864 returned to Clay
Center where he has since resided. In 1866 built and started his mill, the firs tin Clay County. For ten years
he used steam-power, but in 1876 he dammed the Republican River and utilized one of the best water powers in the
state. His mill has a capacity of 200 barrels of flour per day. Ships flour, grain and livestock. He still owns
about 200 town lots in the city. Was married in California September 29, 1862 to Miss Emma A. Dunbar. Is now making
money, and deserves unbounded success. (History of the State of Kansas, published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, page
1315)
IAMS, REZIN
Rezin Iams, loan and real estate agent was born in Green County, PA., January 27,1850, of a good family. When a
child, his parents removed to Noble County, Ohio. When he was less than three years old he lost his father and
at the age of fifteen his mother died leaving him to make his own way in the world. When he was seventeen years
old he went to Bloomington, Ill., and worked for his board while attending school for two years. In 1871 the old
home in Ohio was sold, and the property divided among the heirs of his father, consisting of seven children. Each
received $1,000 and Mr. Rezin Iams, in company with an older brother, went into Clay County, Kan., and began stock-raising,
but in 1872, the fever killed nearly all their cattle reducing his capital to about $400. Nothing daunted he took
a homestead and broke ninety acres, built with his hands a stone house, planted an orchard and shade trees making
a beautiful home. This place he still owns. In 1879 he moved to Clay Centre and began business as a loan and real
estate agent. He does a large business and is a rising man. He is treasurer of the Clay Centre Mining, Milling
and Prospecting Company, operating in Chaffee County, Col. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. Is a
keen business man and a fluent talker and always to be found abreast of his fellow men. (History of the State of
Kansas, published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, page 1316)
JACKMAN, F.
H.
F. H. Jackman, grocer, was born in Gloucester County, VA., October 13, 1845. In the war between the states, he
took a hand on the Southern side. He enlisted in October 1861, in Company A of the Thirty-fourth Virginia Volunteer
Infantry. Fought through the war and was paroled April 13, 1865. Returned to his home and worked at his trade -
harnessmaker. In 1872 he came to Kansas and settled at Wakefield and clerked for W. P. Gates, grocer for two years.
In 1873 he moved to Clay Centre and clerked for C. E. Peters, and afterwards for J. M. Frank. September 17, 1878
he began business on his own account in company with George A. Robinson, his brother-in-law. He has a fine store
on the corner of Fifth and Court streets, Grumme's Block and does a fine business. They have one child - Madge
L., born July 13, 1879. He is a member of the Masonic order. (History of the State of Kansas, published in 1883
by A. T. Andreas, page 1316)
JONES, R. W.
R. W. Jones, architect and builder was born in Utica, N.Y. April 23, 1841. At the age of four years his parents
removed to Boston, Mass., where he was educated in the city schools and learned the trade of a carpenter. April
16, 1861 he enlisted in the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment and served three months. In 1862 he removed to Waterville,
N.Y. where he worked at his trade and in 1868 to Aurora, Ill. Here he was engaged in shop work until 1870 when
he came to Kansas settling on a farm in Grant Township, Clay County. In 1865 he moved to Clay Centre, where he
has since been engaged in his work as a architect and contractor. He has built many good houses in the city and
county, and in now mainly employed in drafting and superintending a superior class of buildings. He is a member
and secretary of Clay Centre Lodge of the I. O. G. T. He was married November 5, 1867 at Utica, N.Y., to Miss Annie
H. Davis. They have four children - Charles H., Thomas E., Alice E., and Arthur W. (History of the State of Kansas,
published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, page 1316)
KEHOE, P. P.
P.O. Kehoe, dealer in general merchandise was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, August 29, 1845. At the age of nineteen
years he went to Duquoin, Ill., as a telegraph operator for the Illinois Central Railroad, and thence to Milwaukee,
Wis., in the same service. In the spring of 1870 he came to Manhattan, Kan., and was in the drug trade there for
six years. In 1876 he removed to Clay Centre and began business as a general merchant and has a fine business son
the corner of Fifth and Court streets. He is a Mason, and was married October 14, 1873 at Manhattan, Kan. to Miss
Emma Peckham. They have one child - William F., born June 9, 1879. (History of the State of Kansas, published in
1883 by A. T. Andreas, page 1316)
KENDALL, D.A.
D. A. Kendall, grain dealer, was born in Sauk County, Wis., April 10, 1847. Was educated at Baraboo Academy. Was
raised on a farm and continued thereon until twenty one years old. He then moved to Mankato, Minn., and became
manager of a lumber business for John Robson of Winona, with whom he remained five years. Then went into the insurance
business at Howard Lake, Wright County, Minn., remaining there a year and a half. In September 1879, he moved to
Clay Centre, Kan. and has been in the grain trade there since, the firm being styled D. A. Kendall & Co. He
was married July 6, 1871 at Saint Peters, Minn., to Miss E. M. Taylor. They have two children - John A., born May
30, 1872, and Harry T., born May 26, 1882. (History of the State of Kansas, published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas,
page 1316)
LAMKIN,
GEORGE
George Lamkin, grocer, was born in Noble County, Ind., March 28, 1844, raised a farmer. In 1871 he removed to Minnesota,
where he lived for a short time when he came to Kansas, settling on a farm in Clay county. In November 1881, he
sold his farm, moved into the city and began his present business. He was the first Township Trustee of Oakland
Township and was a Justice of the Peace for four years. Was married March 28, 1865, in Noble County, Ind., to Miss
Cynthia Codwell. They have five children - Los, born March 3, 1866; Mary born April 5, 1872, Sarah born October
17, 1874; Arthur, born May 1, 1876; George born March 9, 1882. (History of the State of Kansas, published in 1883
by A. T. Andreas, page 1316)
MILLER,
RICHARD
Richard Miller farmer, P.O. Clay Centre, was born in Jo Daviess County, Ill., March 1, 1843. he was educated at
Sinsinowa College, Grant County, Wis. He enlisted August 4, 1862, in Company A, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, as a private. He served three years and was discharged at the close of the war. He returned to Illinois
and was engaged in lumbering on the Mississippi River until November 1, 1870 when he enlisted in the regular army,
being assigned to Company G of the Tenth Infantry. He served the full term of enlistment five years in Texas going
through all the non-commissioned grades in the regiment. In 1877 he came to Kansas, settling on a farm in Clay
Centre Township and County where he is engaged in farming and stock raising. He has the largest herd in the county,
all graded stock. He belongs to the G. A. R. He was married at Galena, Ill, to Miss Josephine Reed. They have one
child, Walter Whittaker born November 27, 1882. (History of the State of Kansas, published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas,
page 1316)
MYERS, D. H.
D. H. Myers, banker and stock man, was born in Somerset County, PA., March 5, 1838. At the age of seventeen he
removed to Carroll County, Ill., where he worked on a farm for two years. In 1856 he came to Kansas and went as
Government teamster in the expedition of Albert Sidney Johnson against the Mormons. While on the expedition he
enlisted in Company A of the volunteer regiment known as the First United States Volunteers. Was discharged at
Salt Lake and went to California from thence, arriving in the valley in August 1858. In 1959 he returned via Panama
and New York to his Pennsylvania home. In May, 1860, he came again to Kansas and settled at a ranch in Clay County.
In 1862 he was the First Lieutenant of the Militia raised to help to repel the army of General Price. In October,
1878 he moved to Clay Centre and began banking with J. P. Campbell. He is the president of the Republican Valley
Bank, ahs been County Commissioner and the first Justice of the Peace in the county then a part of Davis County.
He handles more livestock than any other man in Central Kansas. He raises cattle, buys and ships. Mr. Myers was
married to Miss Catherine Yanks in his native county on March 23, 1864. Their children are Henry, Catherine, Frank
and Ada. (History of the State of Kansas, published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, page 1316)
NOBLE, JOHN
L.
John L. Noble, County Clerk, was born in Medina County, Ohio, May 26, 1836. He was educated at Heidelberg College,
Tifflin, Ohio. In 1856 he started for the West; lived for a year in Michigan thence went to Mendota, Ill., and
thence to St. Joesph, Mo. Was engaged in the milling business. In 1861 he moved to Chicago where he was engaged
in milling and the commission business for about four years. In 1864 he went still further west, to Montana Territory
where he lived six years. In that Territory he held the office of Probate Judge for Gallatin County and in 1869
he was a member of the Territorial Council. In 1870 he came to Kansas and began milling in Junction City. In the
year of 1875 he removed to Clay Centre and started in same business. He was elected County Clerk in 1879 and re-elected
in 1881. Has been Mayor of Junction City member of the Council and Board of Education of Clay Centre. He is a member
of the Masonic order of the R. A. degree, also a member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. Noble was married at Mendota, Ill.,
November 16, 1859, to Miss Posah Panton. They have two children - Isabella, born October 4, 1861 and Alice, born
July 12, 1870. (History of the State of Kansas, published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, page 1316)
OSBORN, D.
J.
D. J. Osborn, farmer P. O. Clay Centre was born in Pulaski County, Ky., August 18, 1842. He was educated at an
academy in Somerset, Pulaski County and taught in the schools of his native county for several years. In the fall
of 1865, he went to Putnam County, Ind., and taught in the public schools until the spring of 1866, when he came
to Kansas, settling on a farm near Clay Centre, Clay County, where he has since resided engaged in farming. He
was married November 27, 1875, in Clay County to Viola Quinn. They have two children - Minnie L., born February
1, 1878; Donnie, born September 5, 1880. (History of the State of Kansas, published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, page
1316)
PINKERTON,
J. H.
J. H. Pinkerton, real estate and insurance agent was born in DeKalb County, Ala., January 20, 1835. Removed with
his parents when a child to Weakley County, Tenn., where he lived until 1858, when he came to Kansas. He drove
an ox team from Tennessee to Manhattan, arriving in February 1859. He settled on a farm in Wabaunsee County, where
he lived seventeen years, engaged in farming and stock raising. He enlisted, September 5, 1862 in Company K, Eleventh
Kansas cavalry, and served three years. In 1866 he was elected Sheriff of Wabaunsee County and re-elected in 1868,
serving four years. In 1870 he was elected Representative in the State legislature and re-elected in 1872. In the
session of 1873 the township in which Mr. Pinkerton resided was attached to Riley County and in 1874 he was elected
from Riley County. In 1875, he came to Clay Centre engaged in the real estate, insurance and loan business. In
1876 he was elected Mayor and re-elected for four successive terms. Has an office at Miltonvale, Cloud County,
and publishes, in connection with a partner, the Miltonvale News. He handles as many acres as any man in Central
Kansas. He was married at Dresden, Tenn., February 12, 1857, to Miss Nancy J. Freeman. They have four children
- Ernest, born December 7, 1857; Laura, March 30, 1860; John Charles, May 26, 1870; Nancy Ella, December 1, 1875.
. (History of the State of Kansas, published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, page 1316)
RISTINE, B.
B. Ristine, farmer P. O. Clay Centre was born in Galatine County, Ky., February 28, 1822. When four years of age
his parents moved to Montgomery County, Ind. In 1828 they removed to Louisa County, Iowa where he worked as a carpenter
until 1864, when he came to Kansas and was employed as a carpenter at Fort Riley for two years. He returned to
Iowa in 1867 and his land in that State and in 1868 bought the farm he now occupies. He had previously - 1866 -
bought a piece of land in the same vicinity. He served in the Fourteenth Regiment of Militia during the Price raid
in 1864. In 1877 he was elected County Commissioner serving two years. He was married December 4, 1853 in des Moines
County, Iowa, to Miss Margaret McGriffey. They had one son, William born August 8, 1862. Mrs. Ristine dying June
21, 1863 he was married May 12, 1872 in Clay County, Kansas to Miss Nancy L. Love. . (History of the State of Kansas,
published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, page 1316)
RISTINE, M.
H.
M. H. Ristine, farmer, P. O. Clay Centre was born in Crawfordsville, Ind., June 9, 1828. At the age of twelve years
his parents removed to Louisa County, Iowa where he was brought up on a farm until the age of sixteen, when he
began the work of a carpenter. He worked in Burlington and vicinity for twelve years and in 1859 came to Kansas
and helped build a mill at Milford on the Republican River. He returned to Iowa in September 1860 and lived on
a farm for four years, but in 1864 removed to Kansas, settled on a farm near Clay Centre and has since been engaged
in farming and stock-raising and at times has worked at his trade. He owns a splendid farm in Section 16 township
8 range 3; also lands in Sections 21 and 22. At the organization of the county he was appointed Probate Judge for
two years. In 1868 he was elected County Commissioner. He has also been Township Treasurer for several terms. He
belongs to the Masonic order. Was married February 24, 1850 at Wapello, Iowa to Miss Nancy J. Hemphill. They have
three children; Benjamin I., J. R. and Walter. (History of the State of Kansas, published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas,
page 1316)
DAMMAST, CARL W. F.
Carl W. F. Dammast, a prominent factor in the commercial
life of Clay county, where he took up his residence in 1870, and with whose growth and development he has been
closely identified, is a native of Prussia, born at Stettin, Feb. 14, 1851, son of Albert and Charlotte (Schulze)
Dammast. Albert Dammast was a successful hardware merchant of Stettin and his children were given careful training
and the best educational advantages of the time. Carl W. F. completed a course in the Stettin Gymnasium or high
school, in 1867, and initiated his commercial career as an office assistant with a grain company in London, England,
subsequently entering the employ of the City Bank of London, in a clerical capacity. In 1870, with a brother, Harry
Dammast, he came to America and Located in Clay Center, Kan. He secured employment in a general store, as clerk,
and soon afterward was appointed deputy treasurer of Clay county. Harry, the brother, removed to New York City
in 1873, and Carl accompanied him and remained about six months. On his return to Clay Center, in the fall of 1873,
he entered the employ of John Higginbotham, who was operating an elevator and who was the pioneer banker of the
town, the honor of opening Clay Center's first set of banking books falling to Mr. Dammast. In 1876, with J. B.
Shell; he organized the firm of Dammast & Shell, grain dealers, and this venture proved successful and was
continued until 1880, when Mr. Dammast was offered and accepted the management of the Clay Center yards of the
Chicago Lumber & Coal Company; and he remained in charge of this business until 1907. In September of that
year he promoted the organization of the Clay Center Lumber & Coal Company, and the business of his previous
employers was purchased. Of this company Mr. Dammast has been secretary and treasurer since its organization, as
well as managing executor. The business of this corporation is the most extensive in its line in Clay county and
Mr. Dammast is recognized by the trade as one of the most capable, progressive and energetic men in the lumber
industry in central Kansas. Essentially a business man, he has had neither time nor inclination for public office,
although he has always taken a keen interest in those questions affecting the public welfare and never neglects
his civic duties. He has been a consistent and active supporter of educational betterment and has served as a member
of the board of education. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and of the Baptist church.
Mr. Dammast married, June 24, 1877, Miss Jennie Ward, daughter of Orville and Harriet A (Fuller) Huntress. Mrs.
Dammast is Clay Center's oldest resident. She was born at Dixfield, Me., May 26, 1857, and came with her parents
to Kansas in 1859, the family locating at Manhattan. In 1861 Orville Huntress located a homestead adjoining the
present site of Clay Center, previous to the organization of Clay county. Here the family underwent the privations
incident to those pioneer days. Leavenworth was the nearest source of supplies for food, clothing and building
material, and Indians were plentiful and frequent visitors at the Huntress home. On the organization of Clay county,
in 1866, Mr. Huntress was elected treasurer of the county, and he also received the appointment of postmaster at
Clay Center on the establishment of the post office there, and served in this capacity until his death, June 8,
1868, his widow succeeding to the office and serving until 1876. The original homestead of Orville Huntress is
now a portion of the city of Clay Center and is built over, with the exception of eight acres, which was given
to the city for park purposes and is named "Huntress Park." The old Huntress home, built in 1861, is
located in this park and is preserved by the city in its original condition, as a monument of her first pioneer.
It was not only the Huntress residence, but Clay Center's first post office and hotel. The widow of Orville Huntress,
born in Canton Me., Aug. 21, 1821, married for her second husband, C. M. Anthony, a distinguished member of the
Kansas bar and a resident of Clay Center. She passed away Dec. 6, 1894. Mrs. Dammast and one son, Charles O. Huntress,
survive her. The son is a graduate of the engineering department of Dartmouth College, class of 1874, was for twelve
years assistant city engineer of Minneapolis, Minn., and is now chief engineer for the Bell Telephone Company,
covering its Minnesota properties. Mr. and Mrs. Dammast are the parents of five children: Olive Charlotte, born
April 22, 1878, is a graduate of Clay Center High School and the Kindergarten Normal School of Boston, Mass., and
subsequently became a teacher; Nell Huntress, born Oct. 14, 1879, is a graduate of Clay Center High School, for
one year was a student in the Kansas University, and is now office manager of a manufacturing concern in Ottawa,
Kan.; Florence, born Jan. 26, 1881, is a bookkeeper and stenographer at Clay Center; Carl Donald, born June 14,
1885, is a merchant at Onaga, Kan., who married, March 31, 1909, Miss Georgia M. Groves; and Jean was born Sept.
19, 1897. Mrs. Dammast is a woman of broad culture and strong character, is self-reliant and possesses the sterling
qualities so pronounced in the children of the pioneer families. She has observed every phase of development that
Clay county has experienced, and since arriving at woman's estate has been an active and influential factor in
the social and religious life of the county. (Kansas Biography, Part 2, Vol. III, 1912, Pages 862-864, Transcribed
as written by: Millie Mowry)
PARROTT, FREDERICK
WILLIAM
Frederick William Parrott, editor and publisher,
for three years deputy collector of internal revenue for the Northern district of Kansas, and chairman of the board
of auditors of the Modern Woodmen of America, is a native of England, born at Wyke, county of Surrey, Feb. 13,
1865, son of Joseph and Emma (Belgrove) Parrott. Joseph Parrott was a native of England, born in 1833, and by occupation
was a farmer. He married at Hurdlesgrove, England, in 1857, Miss Emma Belgrove, born in England in 1835. Joseph
Parrott brought his family to America in the year 1885 and located at Wakefield, Clay county, Kansas, and engaged
in farming. His death occurred in 1904, at Clay Center. His widow, now a resident of Lawrence, Kan., and the following
children survive him: Frances E., born in 1861, is the wife of Richard A. Thrale, a retired capitalist of Croydon,
England; Agnes Mary, born in 1863, is the wife of William Duffield, a ranch owner of Escondido, Cal.; Frederick
William is the next in order of birth; Jessie Isabella, born in 1866, is the wife of A. H. Griesa, a horticulturist
of Lawrence, Kan.; Philip E., born in 1868, is treasurer of the Battreall Shoe Company, of St. Joseph, Mo.; Florence
E., born in 1870, married M. A. Barber, of Lawrence, Kan.; and died in 1900; John Percy, born in 1874, is director
of the entomological department of the New York State Experiment Station, Geneva, N. Y.; Edith May, born in 1876,
is the wife of Jesse Olds, a merchant of Delphos, Kan.; Alfred H., born in 1878, is registrar of the North Dakota
State Agricultural College, Fargo, N. D., and Margaret, born in 1880.
Frederick William Parrott acquired his education in the schools of his native country and came to America in April,
1885, preceding his family, who followed in October of that year. He first secured em-ployment as a farm hand and,
in the fall of 1885, secured a position with the firm of Harkness & Godard, attorneys and abstracters, of Clay
Center, Kan., and in this capacity compiled Clay county's first set of abstract books. In 1886 he formed a partnership
with E. J. Bonham, under the firm style of Bonham & Parrott, and they purchased the abstract business of his
former employers. This partnership was dis-solved, and the business was sold in 1888, Mr. Parrott then entering
the real estate field, in which he was successful. In 1902 he was appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt deputy
collector of internal revenue for the Northern district of Kansas and served in that capacity until 1905, when
he resigned to reenter the real estate business. In 1907 he promoted the organization of the Republican Publishing
Com-pany, of which he is president, and established the "Clay Center Daily Republican," of which he is
the editor and managing executive. This publication is one of the most progressive news dailies in Kansas, a member
of the Associated Press, has a most satisfactory circulation, and as a party organ has a potential and extended
influence. Its continuous and healthy growth has been due to the able and energetic efforts of its editor, who
is recognized by members of the craft as among the leaders in Kansas journalism. In political matters, Mr. Parrott
has been for many years an active and influential factor. He has served as secretary of the Clay County Republican
central committee during several campaigns and has an extended acquaintance throughout the state. He has for many
years been active in the affairs of the Modern Woodmen of America. While delegate to the Head Camp in 1897 he was
elected a member of the board of auditors and at this writing (1911) is serving his second term as chairman of
that body. He is recognized by the citizens of Clay county as one of the most influential men of their section,
one who has, by his own well directed efforts, achieved a substantial success, by methods clean, capable, and honest.
Mr. Parrott is unmarried. (Kansas Biography, Part 2, Vol. III, 1912, Pages 955-956, Transcribed as written by
Millie Mowry)
COLEMAN, CHILES
C.
Chiles C. Coleman, was one of the able and distinguished
lawyers of Kansas. His home was at Clay Center, where he lived for thirty-eight years. He was born in Boone county,
Kentucky, Dec. 29, 1854, and resided in that state until eighteen years of age. His father was principal of Morgan
Academy at Burlington, Ky., and it was at that school and under his father's tuition that Mr. Coleman was educated.
After the death of his parents, accompanied by his two sisters, he came to Kansas and established his home at Clay
Center. For a time he studied law in the office of Col. M. M. Miller, now of Topeka, and in May, 1878, was admitted
to the bar. He entered immediately upon the work of his profession and continued to be an active practicing lawyer
up to the time of his fatal illness. He was elected to many positions of trust and responsibility and filled all
of them with more than common capacity and ability. He was many times elected to the office of member of the board
of education and served the public well in that position. He was twice elected to the office of county attorney
of Clay county, and was city attorney of Clay Center a number of years. In 1902 and again in 1904 he was elected
to the office of attorney-general of Kansas and served the state four years in that capacity. For more than thirteen
years he was senior member of the firm of Coleman & Williams. While Mr. Coleman was attorney-general there
was much important litigation and he served the state with fine ability in the conduct of the same, and after his
term of office expired he was retained by his successor to finish litigation which had been commenced during his
term of office. Among the cases wherein he represented the state was one involving the validity of the eight-hour
law of Kansas, and that case was carried through the supreme court of the state and to the supreme court of the
United States, and the contention of the state was sustained. Suits were prosecuted successfully for the state
against the International Harvester Company, both for penalty for violation of the anti-trust law, and for ouster
for doing business in the state; and against the Standard Oil Company, which resulted in judgment of modified ouster
at a later date. One of the most important things accomplished by him was a thoroughly effective prosecution of
delinquent officers for evading the enforcement of the prohibitory law. The decisions which he procured against
such officers gave new vitality to law enforcement in the state of Kansas, and it is probable that the effect in
the state will never be forgotten. Mr. Coleman was active in all things pertaining to the Kansas State Bar Association,
and rendered important services for that organization as a member of the executive committee, and he became president
of the association for the year 1899. Masonry always exerted a great deal of charm for Mr. Coleman. Early in life
he joined the Masonic Lodge, Chapter, and Commandery of Knights Templars, and served as master of the lodge, high
priest of the Chapter, and eminent commander of the Knights Templars. For a number of years he was prelate of the
Clay Center Commandery and held the distinction of being the best prelate in Kansas among the Templars. His deep,
sympathetic voice and impressive manner of speaking swayed all candidates deeply, and all who have ever heard Mr.
Coleman serve as prelate in Coronado Commandery will remember until death the impression made at that time. In
the early '90s Mr. Coleman was placed in line among the officers of the State Grand Masonic Lodge, and in 1897
reached the highest position among the Masons of Kansas, that of grand master of the Grand Lodge. On Oct. 10, 1878,
Mr. Coleman was united in marriage to Miss Willie Miller, who, with three children, survive him. Two daughters--Virginia,
who is a teacher in the Clay County High School, and Katherine, are at home, and the only son, James Preston, is
an assistant in Attorney-General Dawson's office in Topeka. Mr. Coleman's most notable characteristics were his
absolute integrity, his upright life and his cheerful disposition. He was held in unequivocal confidence and esteem
in both professional and social circles, and well merited the high regard in which he was held in the community
in which he lived and labored to so goodly ends. He was summoned to the life eternal March 4, 1911. (Kansas Biography,
Part 2, Vol. III, 1912, Pages 953-955, Transcribed as written by Millie Mowry)
STRATTON, GILMORE
MCGRATH
Gilmore McGrath Stratton. A publication of this
nature exercises its most important function when it takes cognizance of the life and labors of those citizens
who have risen to prominence and prosperity through their own well directed efforts and who have been of material
value in furthering the advancement of the commonwealth. A resident of Clay county since 1870, Mr. Stratton has,
in his various activities, realized a substantial success. He has served in public offices with honor and distinction,
first as postmaster at Clay Center and during the years of 1890 to 1900 as deputy collector of Internal Revenue
for the Northern District of Kansas.
Gilmore McGrath Stratton is a native of Ohio, born at Salem, July 9, 1845, son of Hon. Stacy L. and Margaret (Grimmesey)
Stratton. His paternal ancestors were Quakers and settled in America during the Colonial period. Stacy L. Stratton
was born in New Jersey, Oct. 3, 1811, and in early life located in Salem, Ohio, where he became a carriage manufacturer.
There he met and married in January, 1831, Margaret Grimmesey, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, born in 1812,
and who came with her parents to America in 1828. Mr. Stratton located in Peru, Ind., in 1848, and in 1856 in Lancaster,
Wis. In each of these locations he continued in the manufacture of vehicles. In 1870 he came to Kansas and located
on government land, six miles south of Clay Center. He became actively identified with the public life of the locality
and was elected justice of the peace, serving six years. He was elected, on the Republican ticket, a member of
the legislature, in 1873, and supported. John J. Ingalls, for the United States senate. In 1876 he left the farm
and became a resident of Clay Center, resumed the manufacture of carriages and continued in this occupation until
his death in 1891, his wife preceding him to the life eternal Sept. 9, 1890. They were the parents of eight children-four
sons and four daughters. Albert and Lemon died in infancy; Alcinous L., a resident of Clay Center, died in 1900,
aged sixty-three; Hannah, Adeline, and Mary have also passed away, and Gilmore McGrath and Annes, the widow of
John W. Reed, of Medford, Okla., survive.
Gilmore McGrath Stratton acquired his education in the public schools of Grant county, Wisconsin, and was preparing
to enter the University of Wisconsin when his love of country determined him to offer his services in her behalf.
He enlisted in January, 1864, as a private in Company C, Second Wisconsin infantry, which formed a part of the
"Iron Brigade" of the Army of the Potomac, and served until mustered out July 29, 1865. His regiment
saw service in a number of the most important battles of the war. Mr. Stratton was wounded at the siege of Petersburg
and was confined in the hospital about three months, but, was on active duty at the surrender of Lee at Appomattox.
On the conclusion of his military service he returned to his former home in Wisconsin and until 1870 was engaged
in farming. In that year he accompanied his parents on their removal to Kansas, and located on a homestead adjoining
his father's, six miles south of Clay Center. In 1875 he became a resident of the city of Clay Center and established
a general merchandise business, a venture in which he met with success. He had early developed a keen interest
in questions affecting the public welfare and was an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party. He was
appointed postmaster at Clay Center, in 1878, by President Hayes, and was reappointed by President Arthur, serving,
in all, eight years. In 1885 he entered the real estate field and in connection conducted an extensive mortgage
loan business. He was appointed, in 1890, by President Harrison, deputy collector of Internal Revenue for the district
of Northern Kansas, and was reappointed by President McKinley. He filled this important position with credit to
himself and to the entire satisfaction of the treasury department. He resigned on April 1, 1900, to accept the
duties of secretary and manager of the Triple Tie Benefit Association, a fraternal insurance organization with
headquarters in, Clay Center. His services in this capacity resulted in the placing of the business of the order
on a sound financial basis and in the building up of an extreme and healthy membership. He demonstrated conclusively
the possession of high executive ability, sound financial sense, and that unflagging energy necessary to success
in the development of a business of this character. In 1907 he promoted the organization and incorporation of the
Clay Center Telephone Company, purchased a con-trolling interest in its stock, and was elected secretary and treasurer
of the company. The properties of the Clay Center Telephone Company (a co-partnership), were purchased and more
than $20,000 was expended in improvements, giving the new owners a plant second to none in the state. Mr. Stratton
has been the managing executive since its organization and the results obtained have been highly satisfactory,
both to owners and patrons. He has important interests aside from his telephone property and is chairman of the
executive committee of the board of directors of the People's National Bank. He has served as a member of the common
council of Clay Center and for a number of years on the board of education, having been president of the latter
body. He has served eight years as a trustee of the Clay County High School and was elected secretary and treasurer
of that body. He has attained the Knights Templar degree in Masonry and is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
He is a member and past commander of Phil Sheridan Post, No. 88, Grand Army of the Republic, department of Kansas.
The soldiers' monument, erected by this post in the court house square at Clay Center and dedicated May 30, 1911,
is largely the child of Mr. Stratton. He promoted in October, 1904, the organization of the Clay County Monument
Association and was elected secretary. In 1910 he began an energetic campaign to secure the necessary funds to
build it, and while many assisted in the work, he was the inspiration, the unflagging, active force which scored
success.
Mr. Stratton married Jan. 10, 1867, Miss Mary E. Snider, born June 27, 1848, daughter of Jacob and Julia Snider,
her father being a prosperous farmer of near Bloomington, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Stratton are the parents of five children:
Nellie, born Dec. 20, 1868, is the wife of Edward A. Smies, a merchant of Clifton, Kan.; Addie E., born April 6,
1871, is the wife of Daniel J. Stratton, a farmer of Kingfisher, Okla.; Allie T., born Nov. 21, 1873, is residing
with her parents; Anna M., born Feb. 27, 1875, is the wife of Henry E. Smies, a merchant of Clifton, Kan.; and
Lottie V., born April 17, 1877, is the wife of Eugene W. Cross, a funeral director of Tonganoxie, Kan. Mrs. Stratton
is a member of the Methodist church and is active in the charitable and social work of the congregation. The family
is one of the most prominent socially in Clay county. Mr. Stratton is a high type of the conservative, unassuming
American, diligent in his various duties and commercial affairs and conscientious in all things. (Kansas Biography,
Part 2, Vol. III, 1912, Pages 950-952, Transcribed as written by Millie Mowry)
WILLIAMSON, ALVIN
LUTHER
Alvin Luther Williamson, one of the leading millers of eastern Kansas, is a man who has gained his present important
position in the commercial circles of Clay county as the result of his careful and successful management of the
only capital he possessed when he came to the Sunflower State, and the possession of a good business head and a
pair of industrious hands. He was born near Wataga, in Knox county, Illinois, July 12, 1877, sixth son of William
and Katharine (Olson) Williamson. The father was born in Sweden, in 1834, and there learned to be a practical farmer,
but heard, of the many opportunities open to a man in the new world and emigrated from the old country in the late.
'40s. Mr. Williamson located near Wataga, Knox county, and was married there in 1850. Ten children were born to
him and his wife at the old home in Illinois-six boys and four girls--Mary J., Henry, Amelia, Louis 0., Amanda,
Martha, Edwin P., George E., Fred I., and Alvin L., five of whom are living.
Alvin L. Williamson was reared on his father's farm, attended the district school near his home in the winter and
led the ordinary life of a country boy in the summer-plowing corn, herding cattle, and attending to the many things
to be done on a farm. He was ambitious, and after completing the common school entered Brown's Business College
at Galesburg, Ill., where he completed a course with great credit. In 1901 he determined to come west and seek
what fortune had in store for him, a trip that was not in vain. He located at Clay Center and entered the employ
of the milling firm of Wickstrum & Williamson, of which his brother, Fred L. Williamson, was the junior member.
In 1902 he formed with his brother the firm of F. L. Williamson & Company and the interests of Wickstrum &
Williamson were purchased. In 1909 this partnership was succeeded by the Williamson Milling Company, of which
Alvin L. Williamson is the president and general manager. The company owns a modern plant with a dally capacity
of 600 barrels and it is operated by water power furnished by the Republican river, the dam, erected in 1911, being
one of the best examples of re-enforced concrete constructions in Kansas. The product is marketed principally in
the Eastern States and bears an excellent reputation for quality. Mr. Williamson is one of the modern, progressive,
up-to-date business men who introduces the latest methods into his business, and he is one of the rising men of
Clay county. He supports every movement for the betterment and upbuilding of the city where he elects to make his
home and stands high with men of the business world and he has a host of social acquaintances. Mr. Williamson married
Miss Lena McKee, Dec. 1, 1909. She is a daughter of John McKee, president of the Union State Bank of Clay Center.
She was educated at the public schools of Clay Center and afterward completed a course in the State University
at Lawrence. She is a lady of broad refinement and charming manner, is interested in all progressive movements,
and a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Williamson is a member of the United Commercial Travelers and a director
of the Clay County Chautauqua Association. (Kansas Biography, Part 2, Vol. III, 1912, Pages 949-950, Transcribed
as written by Millie Mowry)
GRAY, FRANK PAUL
Frank Paul Gray, cashier of the Broughton (Kan.) State Bank, former county superintendent of schools of Clay county,
and a well known educator, was born on a farm near Lake Crystal, Blue Earth county, Minnesota, July 2, 1881, second
son of John M. and Elizabeth (Williams) Gray. The father was born on a farm near Wilmington, Will county, Illinois,
Oct. 9, 1850. He was reared in the country, attended the district schools near his home and, having learned the
practical side of farming at home, followed that vocation himself. In 1872 he married Elizabeth, daughter of John
Williams, a Virginian by birth, who located in Illinois and followed agricultural pursuits. Two years after their
marriage, the Gray family removed to Minnesota, in quest of good, cheap farm land locating in Blue Earth county
where they rented land six years. During this time Mr. Gray heard of the fine land to be had in Kansas and, in
1883, came to this state. He bought a 240-acre farm in Clay county near Wakefield, for six dollars an acre, and
the same is now valued at $100 an acre. Mr. Gray took an active part in the affairs of the community and was elected
to various positions of trust in Gill township. The family are members of the Evangelical church. Six children
were born to John M. and Elizabeth Gray; Susan Montieth, born April 21, 1877, is a teacher at Albuquerque, N. M.;
Alexander Craven, born March 2, 1879, is a farmer near Vernon Center, Minn., who married Myrtle Force, Dec. 9,
1904; Frank P. is the next in order of birth; Isabella, born July 11, 1883, is at home; George Ralph, born Sept.
12, 1891, is a teacher in Clay county and John William, born Oct. 12, 1894, is a student in the Clay County High
School. Mr. Gray came to Kansas when a great part of the state was still called "The Great American Desert,"
but he had faith in the country and his faith has not proved in vain, for he has lived to see the great rolling
prairie blossom like the rose and raise wheat and grain to feed thousands; and today Kansas is one of the greatest
meat producing states in the Union. He has made money and is regarded as one of the wealthy and progressive farmers
of Clay county.
Frank P. Gray was a small child when his parents came to Kansas and may be said to be a thorough and enthusiastic
Westerner, and he is as true to the state as though native to the soil. He received his elementary education in
the district schools of Clay county, but was ambitious and entered the State Normal School at Emporia, to fit himself
for teaching. After completing a course with credit, in 1902, he began to teach in his home county. He at once
took a leading part in politics and local affairs and was elected, in 1906, on the Republican ticket, as county
superintendent, filling that office so efficiently that he was reelected in 1908, and completed a four-years service
in May, 1911. In September, 1911, he accepted a temporary position with the Union State Bank of Clay Center. In
the summer of 1911 he was one of the organizers of the Broughton State Bank at Broughton, Kan., and was elected
its cashier, a position he assumed in January, 1912. This bank has a capital of $10,000 and its officers and directors
are men of prominence. On Nov. 15, 1911, Mr. Gray was married to Miss Flossie Myrtle, daughter of the late John
W. Erickson, a former register of deeds and a prominent citizen of Clay Center. Mrs. Gray is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
Mr. Gray may be pointed out as one of the successful men of Clay county, as he met with marked success in his calling,
is a man of strong character and marked personality, and has been one of the leaders in educational work in the
state. His entrance into the field of banking at a time in life when his physical and mental energies are unimpaired
should presage for him a successful future. In politics he has always been a Republican and an earnest worker for
party interests. Fraternally he is associated with the Modern Woodmen of America, and in religions faith is a Congregationalist.
(Kansas Biography, Part 2, Vol. III, 1912, Pages 948-949, Transcribed as written by Millie Mowry)
GOWENLOCK, THOMAS
Thomas Gowenlock, the leading optometrist and druggist of Clay Center, a man of wide and varied experience in the
business world, has demonstrated what a man may accomplish whose only capital is a good head and a pair of capable,
industrious hands, for he is a self-made man and has won fortune and an envious position in the world unaided.
He is an Englishman, born in Dalston, Cumberland county, England, Feb. 3, 1847, first son of James and Sarah (Russell)
Gowenlock. His father was born at Carlisle, England, and learned the trade of machinist, which he followed in his
native country until 1851, when he immigrated to the United States and entered the employ of the Hudson River Railway
Company as foreman of the New York shops, a position he held eleven years. In 1861 he removed to Litchfield, Ill.,
to become master mechanic in the shops of the Indianapolis & St. Louis railway, serving in that capacity ten
years, and then resigned to organize the Litchfield Car Manufacturing Company, in which he held considerable stock
and was a director. After this concern was well started Mr. Gowenlock went to Mount Vernon, Ill., as foreman of
the shops of the Louisville & Nashville railway and remained with that corporation until 1880, when he retired
from active life, having by frugality, economy, and hard work accumulated a comfortable fortune. He died in 1900,
after a long and useful life. Sarah Russell was born in England in 1828, was married there in 1843 and reared a
family of six children: Thomas is the first in order of birth; James E., born in 1863, is a machinist at Danville,
Ill.; John, born in 1866, became a locomotive engineer on the Louisville & Nashville railway and was killed
in a railroad accident in 1890; David, born in 1872, became a banker at Mount Carroll, Ill., and died at the age
of twenty-four; Catharine, born in 1874, is the widow of Abner Warren, of Mount Vernon, Ill.; and Mary F., born
in 1876, is the widow of Abner Goodrich, of Mount Vernon, Ill., who died in 1906.
Thomas Gowenlock attended the public schools in New York City until thirteen years of age, when he entered the
law offices of Bowdoin, La Rocque & Barlow as messenger boy, working for $2.50 a week. After a year he entered
a grocery store and then a drug store, but two years later left to enter a brass foundry, where he remained a year
learning that trade; but he determined to become a machinist, like his father, and with this end in view entered
the shops of the New York Central railway, where he spent three years learning the trade. All this time he was
attending night school at Cooper Institute, as he realized that the best weapons for the battle of life were a
good education and a trade. He specialized in mathematics and mechanical drawing, in order to perfect himself as
a mechanical draftsman. In 1861 he moved to Litchfield, Ill., to accept a position as draftsman-in-chief in the
shops of the Indianapolis & St. Louis railroad, where he remained until 1872. Being offered a better position
as chief draftsman with the Louisville & Nashville railroad he moved to Mount Vernon, Ill., and remained with
the road until he gave up being a draftsman and started for Topeka, Kan., to become superintendent of motive power
of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad. On the way to accept this position he stopped in Lawrence, Kan.,
to visit friends, and was induced to join ex-Governor Glick and others in mining operations in Colorado. He went
to that state and erected a large plant for the reduction of silver and gold ore, but as the venture proved unprofitable
he severed his connection with the company after two years, and for the next two years superintended the erection
of mining and ore reduction plants in the San Juan country, Colorado. Mr. Gowenlock was at Leadville during the
great mining boom of 1878 and 1879 and was superintendent there for one year of the Amie mine, in which the late
Senators Plumb and Elkins were interested. While in this district he made the phenomenal record of taking $111,000
worth of silver out of the Robert E. Lee mine in twenty-four hours, being the largest production of silver in that
space of time in the history of the world. Leaving Leadville, he went to Kokomo, Colo., being engaged as superintendent
of various mines in that locality, tile most important positions being superintendent of the Forrest Consolidated
Mining Company, the Wheel of Fortune Mining Company, the Sultan Consolidated Mining Company, and the Champion
Mining Company, general manager of the Silver Blossom mine and consulting engineer of the Michigan mine. During
this time he had the honor of bring elected mayor of Kokomo, the highest incorporated town in the world, it being
located at an altitude of 11,000 feet above sea level. For two years Mr. Gowenlock also served as commissioner
of mines of Colorado, as he was regarded as an authority upon mining and mine conditions. Leaving the "Ten
Mile Country" in 1883, he returned to Leadville to take charge of the late Senator Tabor's mining interests
at Aspen and was in that part of Colorado for a year before he quit mining and engaged in the drug business in
Colorado Springs. Two years later he left the mountain country and, in 1866, located at Clay Center, where he opened
a drug store and has since been in business. Mr. Gowenlock has acquired large property interests and is regarded
as one of the most substantial citizens of Clay county. In 1890, realizing the necessity in Center of a competent
optician, he went to Chicago and enrolled at the Ophthalmic College and Hospital of that city, where he worked
and studied under the famous Professor Martin. He graduated the same and upon returning to Clay Center equipped
his office with the most modern scientific instruments and has continued to practice to the present time, and,
he has aided hundreds of people afflicted with imperfect vision. In 1900 he was elected vice-president of the Kansas
Association of Opticians and in 1901 was chosen president and was reelected in 1902. In 1904 he was elected vice-president
of the American -National Association of Optometrists and in 1905 was urged to the presidency, being assured of
the vote of the convention by acclamation, but refused, saying that his private interests would have to suffer
by the amount of time required to do justice to the position. During nearly a quarter of a century he has been
a leading factor in building up the profession and has been called for consultation to Nebraska, Oklahoma, and
Colorado. In 1909 the legislature created a state board of examiners in optometry, to examine all persons engaged
in fitting glasses. Governor Stubbs appointed Mr. Gowenlock a member of the board of which he was chosen president.
He was reappointed in 1911 and reelected president of the board. Mr. Gowenlock has attained the Knights Templar
degree in Masonry and is affiliated with Isis Temple Shrine at Salina. He is a past commander of Coronado Commandery
of Clay Center. He has various business interests, aside from those previously mentioned, and is treasurer of the
Acme Manufacturing Company of Clay Center.
On Jan. 17, 1876, Mr. Gowenlock married Emma Mabel Allen at Mount Vernon, Ill. She is a daughter of the late John
and Elizabeth Allen, of Jefferson county, Illinois. Mrs. Gowenlock was born at Mount Vernon, April 6, 1857, on
the farm where she was married. Her father was a native of Kentucky and her mother of Tennessee. Mr. Allen was
a lineal descendant of Ethan Allen, of Green Mountain fame, who played such a conspicuous part in the Revolutionary
war, while Mrs. Allen was a relative of President Pierce. Mr. Allen passed away in the late sixties and was survived
by his wife until 1881, when she, too, was laid to rest. Two children have been born to Thomas and Emma Gowenlock:
Mabel Allen, born in Kokomo, Colo., Oct. 6, 1882, is an expert stenographer of Kansas City, Mo., and Thomas Russell,
born at Clay Center, Kan., Feb. 14, 1888, is a graduate of the Clay Center High School and the law department of
the University of Kansas, with the class of 1908. He was admitted to the bar but has never practiced, and is with
the Gundlach Advertising Company of Chicago. (Kansas Biography, Part 2, Vol. III, 1912, Pages 941-944, Transcribed
as written by Millie Mowry)
